Afghanistan Stun England in Champions Trophy Thriller – A Historic Victory!
The cricketing world witnessed one of the biggest upsets in ICC Champions Trophy history as Afghanistan stunned defending champions England with an incredible 8-run victory in a high-voltage Group B clash at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on February 26, 2025. This dramatic win not only secured Afghanistan’s place in the semi-finals but also knocked England out of the tournament, raising serious questions about the defending champions’ performance. Afghanistan’s triumph was built on a record-breaking century from Ibrahim Zadran and a heroic bowling effort by Azmatullah Omarzai, proving that they are now a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. Let’s dive deep into the match highlights, key performances, and what this result means for both teams.
SPORTS
Ankit Sharma
2/26/20252 min read
Afghanistan's Resilient Batting Performance
After winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bat first at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. The decision seemed precarious as England's fast bowler Jofra Archer delivered a fiery opening spell, reducing Afghanistan to 37 for 3. Archer's early breakthroughs included the wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, and Rahmat Shah, putting Afghanistan on the back foot.
However, opener Ibrahim Zadran showcased exceptional resilience and skill. Anchoring the innings, Zadran amassed a record-breaking 177 runs off 146 balls, setting a new benchmark for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. His innings was a blend of patience and aggression, featuring 15 fours and 5 sixes. Zadran found support from veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who contributed a quickfire 40 off 24 balls, propelling Afghanistan to a formidable total of 325 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.
England's Response: A Tale of Near Success
Chasing a target of 326, England faced early setbacks with the loss of Phil Salt and Jamie Smith, both falling cheaply. Amidst the turmoil, seasoned batsman Joe Root stood tall, crafting a masterful 120 runs. Root's partnership with Harry Brook, who added a steady 41, brought England back into contention.
As the match progressed, England required 76 runs from the final 42 balls with Root anchoring the chase. The game seemed to tilt in England's favor until Afghan pacer Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a game-changing over, dismissing Root with a precise yorker. Omarzai's exceptional bowling performance, yielding 5 wickets for 58 runs, stifled England's momentum. Despite a valiant effort, England's innings concluded at 317 all out, falling agonizingly short by eight runs.
Key Takeaways from the Match
Ibrahim Zadran's Record-Breaking Innings: Zadran's 177-run knock not only anchored Afghanistan's innings but also set a new record for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
Azmatullah Omarzai's Decisive Bowling: Omarzai's five-wicket haul, especially his crucial dismissal of Joe Root, underscored his ability to perform under pressure.
England's Unexpected Exit: The loss resulted in England's elimination from the tournament, marking a significant upset given their status as defending champions.
Afghanistan's Historic Milestone: This victory signifies Afghanistan's growing prominence in international cricket, showcasing their capability to compete against top-tier teams.
Looking Ahead
Afghanistan's triumph has secured them a spot in the semi-finals, where they will face formidable opponents. This victory serves as a testament to their rising stature in the cricketing world. Conversely, England's early exit prompts a period of introspection and reevaluation as they prepare for future competitions.
This match exemplified the unpredictable and thrilling nature of cricket, where determination and skill can overturn expectations, leading to historic outcomes.